FILE PHOTO: A woman takes a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar/File Photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Iloilo City government on Wednesday lifted its negative RT-PCR test and quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated visitors, easing restrictions for travelers.
“To prevent another lockdown and forcible temporary closure of businesses in the city, the COVID Team uniformly requires no more swab testing upon arrival for fully vaccinated individuals,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas through Executive Order No. 15.
However, Treñas clarified that visitors are still required to isolate themselves once COVID-19 symptoms develop.
“They shall submit themselves to NPS/OPS RT-PCR testing conducted by the USWAG Iloilo Molecular Laboratory at the Covered Gym, Lapaz Plaza,” Treñas said.
Meanwhile, quarantine-upon-arrival and a swab test are still required for partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
“In the event the RT-PCR result indicated a positive infection, the subject returning resident must strictly comply with instructions given by the local health authorities,” he said.
Apart from this, the city chief executive said partially vaccinated and unvaccinated returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) with travel history from so-called red list countries are also required to complete a 14-day quarantine from date of arrival and should undergo swab testing after five days from the date of arrival.
“This Executive Order shall take effect immediately until 11:59 p.m. of February 15, 2022, or until the said period is extended or lifted earlier per latest issuance of the IATF on the quarantine classification of Iloilo City,” Treñas’ order states.
Iloilo City is currently under COVID-19 Alert Level 3 until February 15, according to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.
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